Devil's Pool: Everything you need to know even for the non swimmer

Are you a non swimmer like me but would love to visit the world’s ultimate infinity pool, Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls??

Well I have good news and bad news for my fellow comrades. Which one would you prefer to hear first?

I’ll start with the good news since it is shorter.

You can definitely experience the glorious Livingstone Island, however the bad news is, you can’t actually get to Devil’s Pool because it does require some very light swimming. So if you are a beginner swimmer you can enjoy this sought after adventure. If you’re a non-swimmer (don’t worry I’m representing for us all) you can enjoy an alluring, refreshing and just as worthy mini-pool right next to it.

Named after Great Britain’s David Livingstone, Devil’s Pool is located at the very edge of Victoria’s Fall in Livingstone, Zambia on Livingstone Island. Victoria Falls can be also be seen from the neighboring country Zimbabwe, but you must cross over to Zambia to indulge in this experience so don’t forget your passport! Did you know that Victoria Falls got it’s name from Queen Victoria, who was the queen of Great Britain at the time.

A natural infinity with just a stone being the partition, this is at the top of the list for many thrill seekers. Swimming up to the edge and peering into one of the world’s most powerful waterfall over than 100- meters is surely a mind boggling experience and not for the light hearted.Though it would have been awesome and fulfilling to experience the real thing, I can honestly say that I am happy and content with my mini experience. Aside from it being totally safe for someone that can not swim, you can still create an illusion of being the actual cool ass Devil’s Pool. Maybe one day I will learn how to swim and go back 😃. As I was researching this experience I was coming up short on advice for non swimmers 😔 You guys know I am here to experience, serve, and give back to my fellow travelers, so I will share tips that are useful for swimmers and non swimmers to help make your experience run smoothly.

Is it safe?

This is usually everyone’s initial question about this adventure. The answer is yes AND no. Devil’s Pool is a relatively safe experience as there has been no recorded deaths. Even so, this excursion does come with risks and precautions everyone should be aware of. I mean you’ll be swimming on top of one the world’s largest waterfall, come on, does that sound 100% safe? There has been minor accidents of people slipping on the slippery rocks, thus causing minor injuries but thats about it. So be very careful and wear real shoes (not like the flimsy skinny, thing flip flops that I wore) because the rocks are sharp! It is up to you to decide your comfort level with these risks.

Getting there

You can either fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Zambia, or Victoria Falls Airport, on the Zimbabwe side. A single entry visa is $50. I highly recommend getting the KAZA Visa that permits you into Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana as many times as you like over the course of 30 days. This costs $100. The airport accepts U.S. Dollars, Euro, Zambian Kwatcha, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

From Zimbabwe

If you are visiting from the Zimbabwean side there is a shuttle for $15 round trip departing from Kingdom Hotel and arriving at Royal Livingstone Hotel. This shuttle is scheduled to coincide with the Devil’s Pool tour time slots. It is best to arrive fifteen- minutes early as it leave promptly. You can also take a taxi, this will be more costly of course.

when To Visit?

Keep in mind, Devil’s Pool is only open during dry season which is August to January when the water levels are lower making it safer to swim across the Zambezi River. It is closed during their rainy season which is from February to July due to high water elevations. During this time there is sometimes an option to visit Angel’s Armchair, another pool of water close to the edge of Victoria Fall’s. If water levels are too high neither one is an option, so ultimately no matter the month, the water levels depict whether or they will allow patrons to visit. I went in the beginning of November and it was perfect! Word on the street is October and November are the best times to visit. 😉

Booking & Price

Booking is super simple because the only way to get to the Devil’s Pool excursion is to book with Tongabezi Lodge. They are exclusively the only operator of this tour called the Livingstone Island tour that gives you access to Devil’s Pool. You can tour the island without visiting Devil’s Pool. Though Tongabezi does take booking for this tour online, you can also book with your hotel or hostel and they will make the reservation for you

This is no cheap activity but it’s 100% worth it in my opinion (̶e̶v̶e̶n̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶’̶r̶e̶ ̶g̶o̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶“̶k̶i̶d̶d̶y̶”̶ ̶p̶o̶o̶l̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶m̶e̶ ̶😆)

Prices are as followed:

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Each package includes:

Speed boat ride from Royal Livingstone Hotel to Livingstone Island (six-minute ride)
Two guides to ensure safety and also assist with photography
A welcome drink (non alcoholic)
A brief Livingstone Island tour
Swimming in Devil’s Pool or non-swimmer’s pool
Towels to dry off are provided
Food aligned with your time slot

You MUST book a tour because you can not access Livingstone Island independently. It is recommended to book at least a week in advance, or as soon as you know you’ll be visiting because availability goes fast for this popular tour! I don’t want you to be disappointed, I’ve warned you!

I was fortunate enough to experience both the morning and high tea tours. While breakfast is the least expensive option it is also the best option in my opinion, you get the sun at its peak and beautiful rainbows from the Zambia side. This tour generally lasts for an hour and a half and can feel slightly rushed depending on your group size. The later tours may be a better option for you as they are less crowded, lasts longer and include beer & wine after Devil’s Pool. The high tea option lasts for 2 hours and is less crowded and had a delicious food spread buffet style. The lunch option (which I did not partake in) lasts for 2.5 hours. In the scope of things, you do get what you pay for, however it is your determination on if the cost is worth it to you.

What to Bring?

💪 If you’re going to be living your best life on the edge of a waterfall, you’re going to need a whole lot of courage and mental strength

🆔 For those who are staying in Zimbabwe, you will definitely need your passport to get to Zambia.

👗 There are rooms used for changing. Royal Livingstone Hotel is a 5 star hotel, I advise you to dress presentable. You don’t have to wear black tie attire (that would be ridiculous since it’s so hot). At least be clothed and not walk around in just your swim wear, even though that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

🎒Quite honestly, you don’t need a lot. A small tote or crossbody bag will hold your belongings.

👟 I highlyyyy recommend wearing water shoes because the rocks are very slippery. Those flimsy things flip flops will NOT suffice! How do I know? Because I wore flimsy, thong flip flops and almost twisted my ankle.

👖A change of clothes for when you get out of the water since your swimsuit will be wet. Keep in mind towels are provided.

💵 Bring small cash (if you want to leave a tip) or if you plan to do some more exploring on either the Zambian side (which you’ll already be on) or if you decide to go to the Zimbabwe side.

📱 Since water is continuously plunging, it is very misty. Waterproof cases to protect your electronics, like your phone, camera, GoPro etc.

📷 Do not forget to cherish this epic moment! I mean did you really go if you didn’t capture the moment?

🧴 The sun will be attacking and laughing at you all day, make sure you bring your sunblock.

photography

Speaking of capturing the moment, it would be dope to capture the falls from a bird’s eye view. However, drones are NOT allowed on Livingstone Island without a permit. I suggest contacting them instead of having your drone confiscated.

As for cameras, you can bring any kind of camera you want to shoot throughout Livingstone Island. Once you begin your Devil’s Pool excursion, only small cameras like handheld cameras, GoPros , and mobile phones. Which makes sense because the guides will be assisting you with pictures they are not professional photographers. You will give your camera to your guide who put them in a dry bag while you swim to the waterfall. You can take your GoPro or waterproof camera in the water with you while you swim.

My experience

I must say my expectations were exceeded by far. I didn’t expect to have such a good time being that I couldn’t swim in the beautiful Zambezi waters. The guides were excellent in accommodation and still made me feel inclusive. The guides took the other people in my group over to Devil’s Pool while I waited. During this time (About 30 mins) I just snapped a few pics made Snapchat videos about how I wish I could swim.

Once the guides were done with my group, then it was my turn. We walked not far from the starting point over to where I would take my pictures. He explained that everything is shallow and how to create an illusion of hanging off the waterfall. I didn’t go to the edge, I just stayed where I was comfortable to take my pictures and videos. My guide was amazing and caught me at all angles, y’all know chicks love angles!

Why you should still go even if you can’t Swim

The experience is still worth it- I can honestly say that I had a phenomenal time and I am happy that I participated.
Your time is more intimate - You May be the only person that don’t know how to swim (as I was both times) so you get the guides undivided attention for all the photography and videography as you like.
You can fake it til you make it- You can still do the same poses as you would do at Devil’s Pool.
It will be just you- There won’t be any guides in the water with you, so all of your photography will be completely solo
The water is shallow- The water is shallow and there is a cenote like hole where you can do down into and sit on the ledge.
There are no fishes in water - If you swim to Devil’s Pool you will most likely experience little fishes gently nibbling at your feet. Over here you won’t feel any of that.

Other ways to experience a Victoria Falls

There are many other ways to experience Victoria Falls, that’s why me not being to go to the actually Devil Pool wasn’t a huge concern for me. The day before I actually went bungee jumping off the infamous Victoria Falls bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. Other ways to experience this breathtaking flow of water are: